Justice for Rockie — and Every Animal Betrayed by Mohnacky Animal Hospital
At Mohnacky Animal Hospital in Carlsbad, our sweet boy Rockie wasn’t treated like a beloved companion or even like a living soul. He was treated like a disposable object—a mistake to be covered up, not a life to be cared for.
In the state of California, animals are legally considered property. That means under the law, Rockie—our family—is worth no more than a broken fence post or a dented car. But the cost of his care was no different than a human’s. Where is the justice in that?
Rockie deserved better. He was supposed to grow up to become a service dog for my husband—a Marine Corps veteran battling PTSD. Rockie was more than just a pet. He was part of our healing, our future, our hope.
But that future was stolen—by what we believe was blatant negligence, deception, and a complete failure of care by Dr. Djordjevich (also known as Dr. George) and the team at Mohnacky Animal Hospital.
A CLAIM THAT SHATTERED TRUST
At just 10 months old, Rockie began limping after a fall. We went to Mohnacky, where we were told he needed a $5,600 orthopedic surgery—recommended by Dr. Djordjevich, who was supposedly a board-certified orthopedic specialist.
Dr. Djordjevich is in fact NOT board-certified and Rockie was not a candidate for the surgery which was performed on him.
THREE YEARS OF SUFFERING-NO ANSWERS
Rockie limped continuously for three years after the surgery. Whenever we asked Mohnacky about the persistent pain, we were told, “He needs time to adjust to the plates and screws." Dr. George never evaluated Rockie post-op; interactions were always through other veterinarians who reassured us that the x-rays looked the same and there was no need to be concerned.
Eventually, a veterinarian there recommended we seek a second opinion. After finding and consulting with an expert in the field for a second opinion, that expert uncovered two torn ACLs.
We were also informed that the hip surgery performed not only failed to help—it was NEVER a surgery that Rockie should have had to begin with and did absolutely nothing for him.
Rockie will never fully recover and never be normal. He can’t serve as my husband’s service dog. He will need lifelong treatment and rehabilitation.
FIGHTING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY—FOR ROCKIE AND ALL OTHERS
This isn't about money—it's about principle. We're determined to hold Mohnacky Animal Hospital and Dr. George accountable, to prevent others from being hurt by similar negligence and deception.
We’re currently pursuing litigation—but we need your help to take this all the way: to court, media, and to our lawmakers.
Turning Rockie’s Pain Into Change
Our Vision
Rockie’s suffering has exposed a heartbreaking truth: under the law, animals are seen as “property,” not as living, breathing souls who feel love, fear, and pain. This means when they are hurt, their voices are silenced, and justice often slips away. Rockie’s fight is bigger than one animal—it is about rewriting the laws that failed him, and that continue to fail countless others. We are demanding change so that animals are no longer treated as objects, but as lives worth protecting. With your support, Rockie’s story can spark the movement that finally shifts the law toward compassion. Together, we can take his pain and transform it into protections that will save lives and prevent another family from enduring this heartbreak.
Our Core Focus
Awareness
Educating Public
Through workshops and campaigns, we aim to educate pet owners about their rights and the importance of proper veterinary care to prevent suffering and neglect.
Advocacy
Advocating for Rockie
Rockie’s story is one of pain, survival, and hope. What he went through should never happen to any animal — yet it does, far too often, because their voices are not heard. We advocate not only for Rockie, but for every innocent life that depends on us to speak up when they cannot. This is about compassion, accountability, and creating a future where animals are treated with the dignity and care they deserve. By standing with Rockie, you are standing against neglect and injustice, and standing up for change that will protect countless others. Together, we can turn Rockie’s suffering into a movement of love, awareness, and lasting impact.
Support Rockie's Fight
Community Assistance
Rockie is still here with us, but he needs our voices and our strength now more than ever. What happened to him should never happen to any animal, and your support helps us fight for his care, his recovery, and for justice to protect others like him. Every donation is a message that Rockie’s life matters and that change must happen. If you can’t give, sharing his story spreads awareness and brings us closer to protecting countless others. Together, we can give Rockie the justice, safety, and love he deserves.
